Khwai Thatched Grass Harvesting – Botswana
Project Overview
Each year, over 200 community members are trucked into the Khwai Private reserve from outlying villages for the thatched grass harvesting event which takes place between July and October. Entire families set up camp for the period. The grass is sold for roof thatching, providing an income, and smaller bundles are also used as currency in local shops. Natural Selection Travel, a conservation-first safari company that contributes significantly to conservation and community upliftment, funds the event.
The People
Sandra Rubins arranged for me to stay at the Khwai Private Reserve Rangers camp to go out would be the first to mention as this was another project she arranged for me to visit as well as arranging my stay in the Rangers Camp.
Khwai Reserve Ranger Darest Amos, one of about six rangers at the reserve was tasked with looking after me and taking me to the event. His help didn’t stop there, and he also shared a wealth of local knowledge with me. Another new friend.
The Grass Harvesting Community: I met a couple of families at work during my visit and was given a demonstration of how to cut the grass and then how to lift and carry a large bundle of grass. I didn’t do too badly at the cutting bit but the lifting another matter as I couldn’t even balance or hold one without my head disappearing into my shoulders!! I also watched whilst they weaved baskets and made bracelets and necklaces. These women and men work tirelessly and are incredibly strong and resourceful.
My Experience
It was a long, dusty and eventful drive to the reserve. We encountered a variety of wildlife, not restricted to the national game parks in Botswana!, and it was also our first true offroad and deep sand experience. Of course, we got stuck and I had to jump out and dig us out, keeping my eye out for any four-legged visitors! Then we got hopelessly lost ending up on our own private safari before being rescued by a lodge manager and escorted to the beautifully remote and peaceful Rangers Camp, my home for two days and where I experienced our wildlife neigbours up close for the first, though not last time.
The opportunity to witness these wonderful villagers at work was a privilege. Working tirelessly for hours harvesting bundling, carrying and stacking the grass. I got my turn at it all and failed dismally at carrying one of those bundles on my head – respect! An added bonus was the weaved bowls, necklaces, and bracelets from the grass that they sell to tourists.
